Dec. 11, 1815: President James Madison presented a trade agreement with Britain to Congress. It signaled the British acceptance — after four decades and two wars — of American independence.

Dec. 11, 1941: After Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S., President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on them. The House vote for war against Germany and Italy was — except for one vote — unanimous. The Senate vote was unanimous.

Dec. 11, 1993: President Clinton said America must fight "violence with values" and praised radio stations that refused to play songs advocating crime (or showing contempt for women).

Dec. 11, 2000: President Clinton signed a bill to restore the Everglades — the largest environmental restoration effort in U.S. history.

Quote of the Day

"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." — Thomas Jefferson